The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, has raised alarm that Nigeria may be drifting toward a one-party system, warning that such a development could weaken democracy and limit the choices available to voters.
Mark spoke on Saturday at the National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The summit brought together leaders of various opposition parties to discuss the future of Nigeria’s democracy and strategies ahead of the 2027 general election.
In his address, Mark accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of taking steps that could weaken opposition parties and reduce political competition in the country. He said recent political developments suggest a growing concentration of power within a single dominant party.
“Nigeria is gradually moving toward a one-party state,” Mark said, warning that such a trend would not be healthy for a democratic system like Nigeria’s.
According to him, democracy thrives when there is strong opposition that can hold the government accountable and offer alternative ideas. Without this balance, he said, governance may suffer and citizens may lose confidence in the political process.
Mark alleged that opposition parties have faced increasing pressure in recent years, making it difficult for them to operate freely and effectively. While he did not provide specific details, he stressed that such conditions could weaken democratic institutions over time.
He also expressed concern about the credibility of elections in the country. Mark claimed that public trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declined, with many Nigerians questioning the neutrality of the electoral body.
INEC is responsible for organising elections in Nigeria, and its role is seen as critical to ensuring free and fair polls. However, concerns about election credibility have been a recurring issue in the country’s political space.
Mark said restoring public confidence in the electoral process must be a priority for all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society groups, and the government.
The former Senate President used the occasion to call for unity among opposition parties. He said no single party can effectively challenge what he described as a well-established political structure without working with others.
According to him, opposition leaders must be willing to set aside personal ambitions and focus on the bigger goal of strengthening democracy.
“We must move beyond individual interests and work together,” he said. “If we fail to unite, we may not be able to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.”
His call for unity comes at a time when opposition parties are exploring the possibility of forming alliances ahead of the 2027 election. Political analysts say such alliances could reshape the electoral landscape if properly managed.
Nigeria has a history of shifting political alliances. In 2015, several opposition parties came together to form a coalition that eventually defeated the then ruling party. That election was widely seen as a milestone in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
However, since then, opposition parties have struggled to maintain a united front. Internal divisions and disagreements have often weakened their ability to compete effectively.
Mark warned that if the current situation continues, it could have long-term consequences for the country’s democracy. He said a lack of strong opposition could reduce accountability and limit policy debate.
He also noted that citizens may become less engaged in the political process if they feel their choices are limited or that elections are not credible.
Civil society groups have also weighed in on the issue, calling for reforms that would improve transparency and accountability in the electoral process. They stress that credible elections are key to maintaining public confidence in democracy.
Despite the concerns raised, some political analysts argue that Nigeria still has a multi-party system, with several parties actively participating in elections at different levels. They say the real challenge lies in ensuring that all parties have a level playing field.
The APC has not officially responded to Mark’s comments, but members of the ruling party have previously rejected claims that it is trying to weaken the opposition. They argue that electoral success is based on performance and public support.
As preparations for the 2027 general election begin, political activities are expected to increase across the country. Parties are likely to intensify efforts to build alliances, mobilise supporters, and present their programmes to the electorate.
For many Nigerians, the key issues remain improving the economy, addressing insecurity, creating jobs, and providing better education and healthcare. Observers say political parties will need to focus on these areas if they hope to win public support.
Mark’s warning has added to the ongoing debate about the future of Nigeria’s democracy. Whether his concerns will lead to concrete action among opposition parties remains to be seen.
For now, the message from the Ibadan summit is clear: the strength of Nigeria’s democracy depends not only on those in power but also on the ability of opposition parties to organise, cooperate, and offer credible alternatives to the people.